Reference no: EM133480777

Discussion Post: Domestic Violence Case Lethality Melodys Level

Safety Planning for Interpersonal Violence

Instructions

Once you have completed section one, read the information below, and follow the prompts.

In your next session with Melody, she presents with a bruise on her left cheek and reports that things at home have gotten worse. As you begin, she tells you the following story.

You know, Jeanine and I have been together for five years - married for the past three. I love her, but I just... I haven't mentioned to you that sometimes things get really rough between us when we fight. Yes, she's not been feeling well, and she's overwhelmed, so I get it. But in the last month or so, things have gotten pretty bad.

It's normal for her to raise her voice occasionally and she's shoved me around a bit in the past. But she slapped me last week, as you can see (she motions to her face). And a few weeks ago, she shook me so hard, I woke up with a migraine headache.

I mean, she apologizes every time and I'm never going to leave her. And I totally get it, because sometimes when I try to help... I just seem to make things worse.

It's not like she's bigger than me either! That's the embarrassing part - she's three inches shorter than I am, so I don't think she's going to do any serious damage... but wow, she's strong.

For each prompt below, respond:

Question A. Describe Melody's level of lethality using the results of the Danger Assessment located in your course materials.

Question B. What additional information would you need about Melody's situation to support her?

Question C. Would you devise a safety or harm reduction plan for Melody? Why? To learn how to differentiate safety and harm reduction planning, refer to the assigned chapters.

Question D. Describe the details of the plan here.